Norwegian Research Council - SFI
Project number: 309259Period covered - start date: 01.11.2020
Period covered - end date: 31.10.2028
Project's coordinator: Jens Petter Wold, Nofima
The fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0) aims at optimisation of processes through the adoption of new digital tools including flexible data clouds, machine learning, artificial intelligence, smart sensors, robotics, and the concept of Internet of Things (IoT). It is envisioned that real-time analysis and utilization of large-scale industrial data, collected from connected sensors and machines, will significantly increase productivity and reduce food loss. DigiFoods will be the first centre with vital research elements that will inspire and mobilize Norwegian food industries towards industry 4.0.
The connection of information from farm/boat to consumer will give us a better understanding of which factors that affect food quality, and this can give us foods of higher quality and a more sustainable food production. The food industry is the largest land-based industry in Norway, it already relies on a high degree of automation and R&D based solutions and is well positioned to take a leading role in digital food processing. New food sensors and analytical technology will give Norwegian technology companies international competitiveness.
DigiFoods will combine applied and basic research to generate new basic knowledge, evaluate prototype solutions, and create results for innovation in the following core areas:
1. Novel sensor systems and food application development
2. Integration of robots and food sensors
3. Integrated sensor solutions for industrial use
4. Analysis and utilization of large-scale process and value chain data
A multi-disciplinary team comprising food companies, technology providers and research institutions is highly motivated to collaborate. The industrial partners will participate in all research tasks, committing essential in-kind contributions to the project.
The centre aims to increase digital competence in Norway through the education of masters and PhD candidates. DigiFoods will function as an innovation hub for food industry, scientific community and technology providers. Development of new in-line sensors can lead to innovation and growth for the food companies and more opportunities in the global marked for all the technology providers.
This is a collaborative project together with research partners from Nofima, Sintef, Ulm University, The Polytechnic University of Valencia, and University of Lincoln, and industrial partners from Tine, Nortura, Prediktor Instruments AS, Norsk Elektro Optikk AS, Camo Analytics AS, Idletechs AS, International Business Machines AS, Norilia AS, Maritech Systems AS, RobotNorge AS, Lerøy Aurora AS, CGI Norway, Biomega Group AS, Nanoplus Nanosystems and Technologies GmbH, MarqMetrix Inc, HOFF SA, Havfisk AS, Saga Robotics, OptoPrecision GmbH, Lerøy Norway Seafoods AS and Intelecy.
More about the project
Visit the DigiFoods web site, digifoods.no for news, updates and more information.
